Food & Drink

Only the best: Locals recommend their absolute favorite restaurants in Manatee County

By Ryan Ballogg

April 30, 2019 10:08 AM

Everybody has that one restaurant.

It’s the place where the food is amazing, you always have a good time and you feel at home.

We asked members of our Facebook group Manatee Eats to fill us in on their absolute favorite restaurant in Manatee County.

Here are the results.

Try them for yourself and see if you agree.

enRich Bistro

For a fine-dining feel without the astronomical prices, enRich Bistro in Bradenton is the place to go.

The restaurant prepares innovative dishes using local ingredients.

Manatee High School graduate and head chef Rich Knowles gained culinary experience across the country before returning to Bradenton and opening enRich.

The laid-back lunch menu features lots of salads (try “The Calamari Salad” or “Jumbo Lump Crab Cake Salad”), fish and chips, a filet tip Philly cheesesteak, “Bradenton’s Best Cuban,” tacos, sandwiches, wraps and the “USDA Prime Cheeseburger.”

The dinner menu is a bit pricier, but more refined, with options such as duck roasted with a soy and mango glaze, pork ribeye, seared yellowfin tuna and roasted black bean and corn cakes (vegetarian and gluten free).

There are daily dinner specials to keep you coming back, and the restaurant hosts live music on Tuesday nights.

Address: enRich Bistro is at 5629 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

Info: enrichbistro.com.

Michael John’s Restaurant

Michael John’s Restaurant is another spot for an elevated dining experience in Bradenton.

John is a French-trained chef who applies his technique to classic American eats.

First and foremost is steak. The kitchen serves up Iowa grass-fed beef that is aged 12 to 14 days and then corn and grain finished.

The restaurant also offers daily specials and tapas and vegetarian menus.

Address: Michael John’s Restaurant is at 1040 Carlton Arms Blvd. in Bradenton.

Info: michaeljohnsrestaurant.com.

O’Brick’s has homey dishes such as wings, fried green tomatoes, fish tacos, burgers and chicken sandwiches, plus some intriguing touches, including eggplant roulade, grilled chicken topped with goat cheese and blackened shrimp pasta. Bradenton Herald File Photo

O’Bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar

O’Bricks combines casual comfort with a fun menu that’s all over the place in a good way.

It’s no wonder the Old Main Street eatery is always bustling.

The restaurant has homey dishes such as wings, fried green tomatoes, fish tacos, burgers and chicken sandwiches, plus some intriguing touches, including eggplant roulade, grilled chicken topped with goat cheese and blackened shrimp pasta.

And “martini bar” is in the restaurant’s name for a reason; don’t leave without sipping on one of their craft cocktails.

Address: O’Bricks is at 427 12th St. W. in Bradenton.

Info: obricks.com.

Manatee County residents can’t seem to get enough of the cafe’s breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings; the kitchen excels at all three. Bradenton Herald File Photo

Sage Biscuit Café

Sage Biscuit Café tends to show up on our lists of locally recommended restaurants a lot.

Manatee County residents can’t seem to get enough of the cafe’s breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings; the kitchen excels at all three.

Here you’ll find something for everyone, with healthy salads and soups, decadent waffles and burgers, seafood dishes and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.

Address: The Sage Biscuit Café is located at 6656 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton and at 1401 Manatee Ave. W. in Bradenton.

Info: sagebiscuitbradenton.com.

Star Fish Company

Star Fish Company started out as a seafood wholesaler in the fishing village of Cortez in the 1920s.

At this point, it’s a trusted community establishment.

Opened in the 1990s, the restaurant operation of Star Fish Company has also topped our lists for seafood and waterfront dining in Manatee County.

The Cortez eatery offers amazing vistas in a totally relaxed setting.

As for the seafood, it speaks for itself; so grab a beer and a picnic bench and enjoy.

Address: Star Fish Company is at 12306 46th Ave. W. in Cortez.

Info: starfishcompany.com.

Dinner for four at Château 13 Restaurant & Wine Bar, 535 13th St. W., Bradenton. provided photo

Favorite new restaurant: Château 13

Château 13 opened its doors in February, and it’s already impressing a lot of locals.

It’s a sweet spot to visit for a romantic dinner or a few drinks and some light bites.

The menu reflects French, Spanish, Italian and Belgian influences, but with a Bradenton twist, management told the Bradenton Herald earlier this year.

Sample fine cheeses and charcuterie or dive into entrees such as stews, steaks and seafood.

Address: Château 13 is at 535 13th St W. in Bradenton.

Info: chateau-13.com.